Water conservation isn't seasonal

We have gotten some much needed rainfall during the past couple of weeks. It’s as if you can hear the grass and trees sigh with pleasure. The rain has been nice, but it’s still not enough.

Now, as we head into winter, we tend to forget about water conservation, but we still need to be frugal and judicious with our water use. Our lakes and aquifers are still under duress, so remember to use water wisely and conserve when you can.

If you are shopping for appliances that use water, compare the water consumption of different brands or models before you make your purchase. Energy Star-rated dishwashers and washing machines not only save energy, but also are rated based on the amount of water they conserve.

Inspect your toilets for leaks and make sure the float valve is operating correctly. If you have a water well, inspect the pump house and pipes for leaks. Check water troughs and see if the floats are working correctly.

Think about some water collection options to water plants. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it is not watering when it is not needed.

Pool equipment should be inspected regularly for leaks. Repairing them will save water and chemical costs.

Water heater pop off valves should be inspected to make sure they are not weakened and slowly leaking.

If each PEC member could conserve a gallon of water a day, it would save more than 6 million gallons in a month, more than 74 million gallons in a year. That’s more than enough to fill a million bathtubs.

What are you doing to conserve water during this extended drought?

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2 Comments

1
Carol
17 Sep

This isn't a comment. It's a question: What is the optimum temperature for a hot water heater in order to conserve energy?

Carol

2
PEC
17 Sep

Brian suggested 120 degrees, but said you may want to try different settings to find the lowest temperature that accommodates your everyday use.

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